Camping Safety Tips at Great Smoky Mountain Vista Campground

At Great Smoky Mountain Vista Campground, we focus on providing a peaceful and relaxing camping experience. While we’re surrounded by the scenic beauty of East Tennessee, our location is far enough from the national park that bear encounters are extremely unlikely.

Still, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and practice good camping habits — for your comfort and for those around you.

Keep Your Campsite Clean & Tidy

Even though large wildlife like bears aren’t a concern here, smaller animals (like raccoons or squirrels) may be curious if food is left out.

Do:

  • Store food inside your RV or a secure container.
  • Dispose of trash promptly in our designated bins.
  • Wipe down picnic tables and cooking areas after meals.

Don’t:

  • Leave pet food or trash outside overnight.
  • Feed wildlife (even cute ones!).

Campfire & Cooking Safety

Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings and should always be attended.

  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Use local firewood (available nearby) to prevent the spread of pests.
  • Fully extinguish your fire before bed or when leaving your site.

Propane grills and cooking appliances are also welcome — just use them with care and outdoors only.

Pet Etiquette

We love pets! Help us keep the campground safe and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Keep pets leashed at all times.
  • Pick up after your pets and use the pet waste stations provided.
  • Be courteous — not everyone is a dog person.

Peaceful Nights, Happy Campers

Our guests appreciate the quiet, respectful atmosphere we offer. Here are a few final tips:

  • Quiet hours begin at 10 PM — please be mindful of music, voices, and generators.
  • Use flashlights at night and watch your step — we keep lighting low to preserve the peaceful setting.
  • Need anything? Our friendly staff is here to help!